Marty,
When I made that statement The 13’3” is a true sweetheart and would make a very good beginners rod. This is what the people were telling me when I ask their opinion of what they thought of the rod. If you spend some time listening to what the Average Flyfisher has to say you will learn a lot.
This is what I do.
Using the Day on the River and The Try Rack gives me a good chance to listen to what the Average Flyfisher want and has to say
I let the public tell me what they want and then I know.
A long time ago I learned that it makes very little to most people what tell them when they can check them out themselves.
OBW I owned 14 Speyrods in 1989.

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I understand what both of you mean. Aaron, Marty didn't mean his response the way you took it. When people hear a stick would make a 'very good beginners rod', at this low price point people will often perceive it's a beginners rod, especially with adjectives or labels applied to the rod ('beginners rod'). It's just psychology. Being in retail, you well know how important perception is.

And Marty understands what you meant, it's just he wanted to point out the rod is one that spans all ability levels, isn't just 'beginners rod'. You're both right, you're just looking at the same issue from a different perspective. :thumb:

It might be more appropriate to call it a 'beginner friendly' rod instead of a 'very good beginners rod'. The terms mean the same thing, except the latter is more of a label.

I understand what both of you mean. Aaron, Marty didn't mean his response the way you took it. When people hear a stick would make a 'very good beginners rod', at this low price point people will often perceive it's a beginners rod, especially with adjectives or labels applied to the rod ('beginners rod'). It's just psychology. Being in retail, you well know how important perception is.

And Marty understands what you meant, it's just he wanted to point out the rod is one that spans all ability levels, isn't just 'beginners rod'. You're both right, you're just looking at the same issue from a different perspective. :thumb:

It might be more appropriate to call it a 'beginner friendly' rod instead of a 'very good beginners rod'. The terms mean the same thing, except the latter is more of a label.

Anyway, crossing my fingers here. If anyone can get one of the first batch that hits the market to me with some kind of a possible return program, PM me.

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It just seems curious; why do you expect someone to offer you, or anyone, a return program? Once a person buys something, unless it's defective, shouldn't it be expected that person is supposed to keep it?

It just seems curious; why do you expect someone to offer you, or anyone, a return program? Once a person buys something, unless it's defective, shouldn't it be expected that person is supposed to keep it?

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I simply meant it would be under warrenty and not an early proto model or something. Said it in too many words before my first coffee of the day.

jbuehler,
I'm certain Poppy at the Red Shed will have a better shot than most other fly shops of having them in his shop the first go round. Contact him and let him know what you're interested in and then take it for a "test drive". If you don't like it, you're only obligated for return postage.

It just seems curious; why do you expect someone to offer you, or anyone, a return program? Once a person buys something, unless it's defective, shouldn't it be expected that person is supposed to keep it?

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There are some fly shops that are heavily into spey tackle that have "test drives" in one form or another. Two board sponsors All About the Fly and River Run Anglers have their Days on the River with a great assortment of tackle to test free of charge. Mark Bachmann in Welches rents demo spey tackle at a very nominal fee with almost all of the charge being returned with a purchase. I have the "test drive plan" where spey tackle can be demoed with no obligation except the return postage. Even this board has some demo tackle I believe.

jbuehler, I feel your pain but I'm reminded of the saying, "a watched pot never boils". I have been through this new rod waiting game with several rod manufacturers including some of the BIG BOYS. All I can say is those rods will get here when they get here and no amount of wishing will change a thing. I can tell you Tim Rajeff will not be releasing anything until he is 100% satisfied with the product.

If you are under a heavy time restraint to get back to fishing a two hander I would suggest a 13'-7/8 Echo Classic. Not much pocketbook pain, classic good looks, easy casting action, in my opinion, good resale value, and a "NO BS" no fault fast turn around warranty.